Magnetic catheter system and methods

ABSTRACT

A catheter system may include a needle assembly coupled to a catheter adapter. The needle assembly may include a housing, an introducer needle, a distal opening, a first magnet, and a second magnet. In response to proximal withdrawal of the introducer needle, the first magnet may move towards the second magnet, which may block the distal opening and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/918,735, filed Jul. 1, 2020, and entitled MAGNETIC CATHETER SYSTEMAND METHODS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/872,128, filed Jul. 9, 2019, and entitled MAGNETICCATHETER SYSTEM AND METHODS which is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Intravenous catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusiontherapies. For example, intravenous catheters may be used for infusingfluids, such as normal saline solution, various medicaments, and totalparenteral nutrition, into a patient. Intravenous catheters may also beused for withdrawing blood from the patient.

Common types of intravenous catheter are peripheral IV catheters(“PIVCs”), peripherally inserted central catheters (“PICCs”), andmidline catheters. Intravenous catheters may include “over-the needle”catheters, which may be mounted over a needle having a sharp distal tip.The sharp distal tip may be used to pierce skin and the vasculature ofthe patient. Insertion of the intravenous catheter into the vasculaturemay follow the piercing of the vasculature by the needle. The needle andthe intravenous catheter are generally inserted at a shallow anglethrough the skin into the vasculature of the patient with a bevel of theneedle facing up and away from the skin of the patient. Once placementof the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the user maytemporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and withdraw the needle,leaving the intravenous catheter in place for future blood withdrawaland/or fluid infusion.

When the needle is withdrawn from the intravenous catheter, cliniciansafety is a major concern. Not only is there a risk of needle-stickinjury, the clinician wants to avoid any blood exposure from the needle.Competing for the clinician's desire for safety is a desire to maintainthe intravenous catheter within the vasculature of the patient duringwithdrawal of the needle. Friction-based drag force as the needle iswithdrawn from the intravenous catheter may lead to dislodgement of thecatheter from the insertion site. Due to the friction-based drag force,the clinician may somewhat awkwardly hold the intravenous catheter inplace while trying to withdraw the needle in a safe manner.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to catheter systems, as well asrelated devices and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter system mayinclude a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximalend, and a wall forming a lumen. In some embodiments, the cathetersystem may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end ofthe catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter may include aperipheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”), a midline catheter, aperipherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), or another suitablecatheter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system may include a needle assemblycoupled to the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the needleassembly may include an introducer needle, which may include a distaltip and a bump feature. In some embodiments, the distal tip may bedisposed distal to the catheter in a first position. In someembodiments, the first position may correspond to an insertion position,ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle may besecured within a needle hub. In some embodiments, the needle hub may beproximate the housing. In some embodiments, the needle hub may includeone or more grip features, which may facilitate movement of the needlehub in a proximal direction by a clinician to withdraw the introducerneedle from the vasculature of the patient and the catheter.

In some embodiments, the needle assembly may include a housing, whichmay include a distal opening, a proximal opening, and a pathwayextending between the distal opening and the proximal opening. In someembodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening may be less than anouter diameter of the bump feature. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle may extend through the pathway.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a first portion, which mayinclude a magnet extending there through. In some embodiments, themagnet may include a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. Insome embodiments, the magnet may include a permanent magnet. In someembodiments, the magnet may be oriented generally perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the catheter system.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a second portion, which mayinclude another magnet. In some embodiments, the other magnet mayinclude a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. In someembodiments, the other magnet may include a permanent magnet. In someembodiments, the second magnetic pole of the other magnet may beproximal to the first magnetic pole of the other magnet. In someembodiments, the other magnet may be oriented generally parallel to alongitudinal axis of the catheter system. In some embodiments, themagnet and/or the other magnet may be proximate or in communication withthe pathway, which may increase a magnetic force between the magnet andthe other magnet.

In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole of the magnet may bealigned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole of the othermagnet. In some embodiments, the introducer needle may be disposedbetween the second magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magneticpole of the other magnet. In some embodiments, the repulsion between thesecond magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of theother magnet may reduce a friction-based drag force on the introducerneedle as the introducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments,because of the spacing and repulsion between the second magnetic pole ofthe magnet and the second magnetic pole of the other magnet, the secondmagnetic pole of the magnet and/or the second magnetic pole of the othermagnet may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the introducerneedle, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducerneedle as the introducer needle is withdrawn.

In some embodiments, the wall of the catheter adapter may include aslot. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole of the magnet may bedisposed within the slot, which may couple the needle assembly to thecatheter adapter. In some embodiments, when the catheter adapter iscoupled to the needle assembly via the other magnet disposed in theslot, a magnetic repelling force between the magnet and the other magnetmay be at a high or peak value, which may simultaneously secure thecatheter adapter and the needle assembly together and may reduce thefriction-based drag force.

In some embodiments, the distal tip of the introducer needle may beconfigured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to asecond position in which the bump feature contacts the proximal opening.In some embodiments, the bump feature may be prevented from passingthrough the proximal opening due to the outer diameter of the bumpfeature.

In some embodiments, the distal tip of the introducer needle may beconfigured to be withdrawn proximally from the second position to athird position. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing thedistal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the second positionto the third position, the second portion may slide proximally withrespect to the first portion and the second magnetic pole of the magnetmay be aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole of theother magnet such that the magnet moves inwardly towards the othermagnet. In some embodiments, in response to the magnet moving inwardlytowards the other magnet, the magnet may block the distal opening and/orprevent blood from leaking out the distal opening. In some embodiments,blocking the distal opening may prevent needle stick injury. In someembodiments, when the distal tip is disposed in the third position, amagnetic attraction force between the magnet and the other magnet may beat a high or peak value, which may facilitate securement of the distaltip within the housing.

In some embodiments, the other magnet may shield the distal tip withinthe housing when the distal tip is disposed in the third position, andmay also act as a coupling component configured to couple the needleassembly to the catheter adapter when the distal tip is in the firstposition and/or the second position. In some embodiments, in response towithdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needle proximally from thesecond position to the third position, the second magnetic pole of themagnet may be aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole ofthe other magnet such that the magnet moves inwardly towards the othermagnet and is removed from the slot. In some embodiments, in response tothe other magnet being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter andthe needle assembly may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly may beremoved from the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the magnet may be replaced with a temporary magnet.In some embodiments, the temporary magnet may include steel, iron, oranother suitable material. In these and other embodiments, the firstportion and the second portion may be integrally formed and may notslide with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle may be disposed between the other magnet and the temporarymagnet.

In some embodiments, the distal tip of the introducer needle may beconfigured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to thesecond position. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing thedistal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the first positionto the second position, the bump feature may contact the proximalopening of the housing, the distal tip may be disposed proximal to thetemporary magnet and the other magnet, and the temporary magnet may moveinwardly towards the other magnet to block the distal opening and/orprevent blood from leaking out the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the other magnet may include a permanent magnet,and the temporary magnet may be attracted to the permanent magnet. Insome embodiments, the temporary magnet may contact and/or press lightlyon the introducer needle when the distal tip is in the first positiondue to the attraction between the temporary magnet and the other magnet.In some embodiments, the other magnet may be spaced apart from theintroducer needle when the distal tip is in the first position, whichmay reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle as theintroducer needle is withdrawn. In some embodiments, the other magnetmay contact and/or press lightly on the introducer needle when thedistal tip is in the first position.

In some embodiments, the temporary magnet may be disposed within theslot. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip ofthe introducer needle proximally from the first position to the secondposition, the temporary magnet may move inwardly towards the permanentmagnet and may be removed from the slot. In some embodiments, inresponse to the temporary magnet being removed from the slot, thecatheter adapter and the needle assembly may be uncoupled and/or theneedle assembly may be removed from the catheter adapter.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an example catheter system,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another examplecatheter system, illustrating a distal tip of an example introducerneedle in a first position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the distal tip of the introducer needle in asecond position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the distal tip of the introducer needle in a thirdposition, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating the catheter system in a shielded position inresponse to proximal withdrawal of the distal tip of the introducerneedle from the second position to the third position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 2A, illustrating an example needle assembly of the catheter systemof FIG. 3A uncoupled and removed from an example catheter adapter,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2F is an upper perspective view of the needle assembly of thecatheter system of FIG. 2A removed from the catheter adapter, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another cathetersystem, illustrating the distal tip of the introducer needle in thefirst position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip of the introducer needle in thesecond position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the catheter system in a shielded position inresponse to proximal withdrawal of the distal tip of the introducerneedle from the first position to the second position, according to someembodiments, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating an example needle assembly of the catheter systemof FIG. 3A uncoupled and removed from an example catheter adapter,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter system ofFIG. 3A, illustrating the distal tip of the introducer needle in thefirst position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating withdrawal distance of the introducerneedle versus pull force, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating mechanism-induced friction-based dragforce versus withdrawal distance, according to some embodiments FIG. 2Fis an upper perspective view of the needle assembly removed from thecatheter adapter, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a catheter system 10 mayinclude a catheter adapter 12, which may include a distal end 14, aproximal end 16, and a wall 18 forming a lumen. In some embodiments, thecatheter system 10 may include a catheter 22 extending distally from thedistal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, thecatheter 22 may be secured within the catheter adapter 12. In someembodiments, the catheter 22 may include a peripheral intravenouscatheter (“PIVC”), a midline catheter, a peripherally inserted centralcatheter (“PICC”), or another suitable catheter.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include any suitablecatheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 mayinclude a side port in fluid communication with the lumen of thecatheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, an extension tube may beintegrated within the side port and may be part of an extension set. Insome embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may be straight ornon-integrated and may not include the extension tube.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a needleassembly 24 coupled to the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, theneedle assembly 24 may include an introducer needle 26, which mayinclude a distal tip 28 and/or a bump feature. In some embodiments, theintroducer needle 26 may be constructed of metal, and the distal tip 28may be sharp. In some embodiments, the distal tip 28 may be disposeddistal to the catheter 22 in a first position, as illustrated, forexample in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first position maycorrespond to an insertion position, ready for insertion intovasculature of a patient.

In some embodiments, a proximal end of the introducer needle 26 may besecured within a needle hub 31 of the needle assembly 24. In someembodiments, the needle assembly 24 may include a housing 32. In someembodiments, the needle hub 31 may include one or more grip features 33,which may facilitate movement of the needle hub in a proximal directionby a clinician to withdraw the introducer needle 26 from the vasculatureof the patient and the catheter.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a catheter system 40 is illustrated, accordingto some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 mayinclude or correspond to the catheter system 10 of FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the catheter system 40 may be similar or identical to thecatheter system 10 of FIG. 1 in terms of one or more included componentsand/or operation.

In some embodiments, the needle hub 31 may be proximate the housing 32,as illustrated, for example in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the lumen20 may extend through the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. In someembodiments, the housing 32 of the needle assembly 24 may include adistal opening 34, a proximal opening 36, and a pathway 38 extendingbetween the distal opening 34 and the proximal opening 36. In someembodiments, the pathway 38 may extend to the proximal opening 36. Insome embodiments, a diameter of the proximal opening 36 may be less thanan outer diameter of the bump feature 30 such that the bump feature 30may not pass through the proximal opening 36. In some embodiments, thebump feature 30 may include any suitable feature having an increasedouter diameter. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 may extendthrough the pathway 38.

In some embodiments, the housing 32 may include a first portion 42,which may include a magnet 44 extending there through. In someembodiments, the magnet 44 may include a first magnetic pole 44 a and asecond magnetic pole 44 b. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole44 a may be opposite the second magnetic pole 44 b. For example, thefirst magnetic pole 44 a may include a South Pole and the secondmagnetic pole 44 b may include a North Pole or the first magnetic pole44 a may include a North Pole and the second magnetic pole 44 b mayinclude a South Pole. In some embodiments, the magnet 44 may include apermanent magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet 44 may be orientedgenerally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 46 of the catheter system40.

In some embodiments, the housing 32 may include a second portion 48,which may include another magnet 50. In some embodiments, the proximalopening 36 may be disposed in the second portion 48. In someembodiments, the distal opening 34 may be disposed between the firstportion 42 and the second portion 48. In some embodiments, the othermagnet 50 may include a first magnetic pole 50 a and a second magneticpole 50 b. In some embodiments, the first magnetic pole 50 a may beopposite the second magnetic pole 50 b. For example, the first magneticpole 50 a may include a South Pole and the second magnetic pole 50 b mayinclude a North Pole or the first magnetic pole 50 a may include a NorthPole and the second magnetic pole 50 b may include a South Pole. In someembodiments, the first magnetic pole 44 a of the magnet 44 and the firstmagnetic pole 50 a of the other magnet 50 may be a same pole and may berepelled by each other. In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole 44b of the magnet 44 and the second magnetic pole 50 b of the other magnet50 may be a same pole and repelled by each other.

In some embodiments, the other magnet 50 may include a permanent magnet.In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole 50 b of the other magnet50 may be proximal to the first magnetic pole 50 a of the other magnet50. In some embodiments, the other magnet 50 may be oriented generallyparallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter system 10. In someembodiments, the magnet 44 and/or the other magnet 50 may be proximateor in communication with the pathway 38, which may increase a magneticforce between the magnet 44 and the other magnet 50.

In some embodiments, the second magnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 maybe generally aligned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole 50 bof the other magnet 50, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2A. In someembodiments, the introducer needle 26 may be disposed between the secondmagnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 and the second magnetic pole 50 b ofthe other magnet 50. In some embodiments, the magnetic repulsion betweenthe second magnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 and the second magneticpole 50 b of the other magnet 50 may reduce a friction-based drag forceon the introducer needle 26 as the introducer needle 26 is proximallywithdrawn.

In some embodiments, due to the magnetic repulsion between the secondmagnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 and the second magnetic pole 50 b ofthe other magnet 50, the second magnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44and/or the second magnetic pole 50 b of the other magnet 50 may bespaced apart from an outer surface of the introducer needle 26, whichmay reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle 26 asthe introducer needle 26 is proximally withdrawn. In some embodiments,the magnet 44 and/or the other magnet 50 may lightly contact theintroducer needle 26. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 maybe spaced apart from all or a portion of the housing 32 forming thepathway 38, which may reduce the friction-based drag force on theintroducer needle 26 as the introducer needle 26 is proximallywithdrawn.

In some embodiments, an inner surface of the wall 18 of the catheteradapter 12 may include a slot 52, which may include a hole extendingthrough the first portion 42 or a groove. In some embodiments, the firstmagnetic pole 44 a of the magnet 44 may be disposed within the slot 52,which may couple the needle assembly 24 to the catheter adapter 12. Insome embodiments, when the catheter adapter 12 is coupled to the needleassembly 24 via the other magnet 50 disposed in the slot 52, a magneticrepelling force between the magnet 44 and the other magnet 50 may be ata high or peak value, which may secure the catheter adapter 12 and theneedle assembly 24 together and may simultaneously reduce thefriction-based drag force.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 may be configured to be withdrawn proximally fromthe first position to a second position in which the bump feature 30contacts the proximal opening 36. In some embodiments, the bump feature30 may be prevented from passing through the proximal opening 36 due tothe outer diameter of the bump feature 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 2C-2D, in some embodiments, the distal tip 28 ofthe introducer needle 26 may be configured to be withdrawn proximallyfrom the second position to a third position. In some embodiments, inresponse to withdrawing the distal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26proximally from the second position to the third position, the secondportion 48 may slide proximally with respect to the first portion 42,and the second magnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 may be generallyaligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole 50 a of the othermagnet 50 such that the magnet 44 moves inwardly towards the othermagnet 50. In some embodiments, in response to the magnet 44 movinginwardly towards the other magnet 50, the magnet 44 may block the distalopening 34 and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening 34.In some embodiments, when the distal tip 28 is disposed in the thirdposition, a magnetic attraction force between the magnet 44 and theother magnet 50 may be at a high or peak value, which may facilitatesecurement of the distal tip 28 within the housing 32.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 may be locked when thedistal tip 28 is in the third position such that the distal tip 28 isprevented from exposure and bypassing the magnet 44. In someembodiments, the catheter system 40 may be locked via geometry of one ormore components of the catheter system 40, such as, for example, themagnet 44 and/or the other magnet 50. In some embodiments, the cathetersystem 40 may be locked due to the inward motion of the magnet 44, andthe strength of the magnetic attraction force between the magnet 44 andthe other magnet 50. In some embodiments, the catheter system 40 mayinclude a lube or coating, which may reduce undesirable forces withinthe catheter system 40.

In some embodiments, the other magnet 50 may shield the distal tip 28within the housing 32 when the distal tip 28 is disposed in the thirdposition and may also act as a coupling component configured to couplethe needle assembly 24 to the catheter adapter 12 when the distal tip 28is in the first position and/or the second position. In someembodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 proximally from the second position to the thirdposition, the second magnetic pole 44 b of the magnet 44 may begenerally aligned with and attracted to the first magnetic pole 50 a ofthe other magnet 50 such that the magnet 44 moves inwardly towards theother magnet 50 and is removed from the slot 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 2E-2F, in some embodiments, in response to theother magnet 50 being removed from the slot 52, the catheter adapter 12and the needle assembly 24 may be uncoupled and/or the needle assembly24 may be removed from the catheter adapter 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a catheter system 54 is illustrated, accordingto some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 54 mayinclude or correspond to the catheter system 10 of FIG. 1 and/or thecatheter system 40 of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the catheter system40 may be similar or identical to the catheter system 10 of FIG. 1and/or the catheter system 40 of FIG. 2 in terms of one or more includedcomponents and/or operation.

In some embodiments, the magnet 44 of the catheter system 40 of FIG. 2may be replaced with a temporary magnet 56 in the catheter system 54. Inthese and other embodiments, the first portion 42 and the second portion48 may be integrally formed and may not slide with respect to eachother. In some embodiments, the first portion 42 and the second portion48 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In some embodiments,the temporary magnet 56 may include steel, iron, metal, or anothersuitable material. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 26 may bedisposed between the other magnet 50 and the temporary magnet 56.

In some embodiments, the other magnet 50 may include a permanent magnet,and the temporary magnet 56 may be attracted to the permanent magnet. Insome embodiments, the temporary magnet 56 may contact and/or presslightly on the introducer needle 26 when the distal tip 28 is in thefirst position due to the attraction between the temporary magnet 56 andthe other magnet 50. In some embodiments, the other magnet 50 may bespaced apart from the introducer needle 26 when the distal tip 28 is inthe first position, which may reduce the friction-based drag force onthe introducer needle 26 as the introducer needle 26 is withdrawn. Insome embodiments, the other magnet 50 may contact and/or press lightlyon the introducer needle 26 when the distal tip 28 is in the firstposition. In some embodiments, the temporary magnet 56 may be disposedwithin the slot 52, which may couple and secure the needle assembly 24to the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, a magnetic attractionforce between the temporary magnet 56 and the other magnet 50 may beconstant.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 may be configured to be withdrawn proximally fromthe first position to the second position. In some embodiments, inresponse to withdrawing the distal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26proximally from the first position to the second position, the bumpfeature 30 may contact the proximal opening 36 of the housing 32 and thedistal tip 28 may be disposed proximal to the temporary magnet 56 andthe other magnet 50.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, in response towithdrawing the distal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26 proximallyfrom the first position to the second position, the temporary magnet 56may move inwardly towards the other magnet 50 to block the distalopening 34 and/or prevent blood from leaking out the distal opening 34.In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 proximally from the first position to the secondposition, the temporary magnet 56 may move inwardly towards the othermagnet 50 and may be removed from the slot 52.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 54 may be locked when thedistal tip 28 is in the second position such that the distal tip 28 isprevented from exposure and bypassing the temporary magnet 56. In someembodiments, the catheter system 40 may be locked via geometry of one ormore components of the catheter system 54, such as, for example, thetemporary magnet 56 and/or the other magnet 50. In some embodiments, thecatheter system 54 may be locked due to the inward motion of thetemporary magnet 56, and the strength of the magnetic attraction forcebetween the temporary magnet 56 and the other magnet 50. In someembodiments, the catheter system 54 may include a lube or coating, whichmay reduce undesirable forces within the catheter system 54.

Referring now to FIG. 3D, in some embodiments, in response to thetemporary magnet 56 being removed from the slot 52, the catheter adapter12 and the needle assembly 24 may be uncoupled and/or the needleassembly 24 may be removed from the catheter adapter 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3E, the temporary magnet 56 may be replaced withthe magnet 44, which may be oriented such that the first magnetic pole44 a is aligned with the second magnetic pole 50 b when the distal tip28 is in the first position and/or the second position. In these andother embodiments, the first portion 42 and the second portion 48 may beintegrally formed and may not slide with respect to each other. In someembodiments, the first portion 42 and the second portion 48 may bemonolithically formed as a single unit.

In some embodiments, the magnet 44 may contact and/or press lightly onthe introducer needle 26 when the distal tip 28 is in the first positiondue to the attraction between the magnet 44 and the other magnet 50. Insome embodiments, the other magnet 50 may be spaced apart from theintroducer needle 26 when the distal tip 28 is in the first position,which may reduce the friction-based drag force on the introducer needle26 as the introducer needle 26 is withdrawn. In some embodiments, theother magnet 50 may contact and/or press lightly on the introducerneedle 26 when the distal tip 28 is in the first position. In someembodiments, the magnet 44 may be disposed within the slot 52, which maycouple and secure the needle assembly 24 to the catheter adapter 12.

In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing the distal tip 28 of theintroducer needle 26 proximally from the first position to the secondposition, the magnet 44 may move inwardly towards the other magnet 50 toblock the distal opening 34 and/or prevent blood from leaking out thedistal opening 34. In some embodiments, in response to withdrawing thedistal tip 28 of the introducer needle 26 proximally from the firstposition to the second position, the magnet 44 may move inwardly towardsthe other magnet 50 and may be removed from the slot 52.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a graph of remaining withdrawal distance ofthe distal tip 28 versus pull force is illustrated, according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, the graph of FIG. 4A may correspond tothe catheter system 40. As illustrated in the graph, in someembodiments, a highest attraction force f between the magnet 44 and theother magnet 50 or between the other magnet 50 and the temporary magnet56 may be achieved in the third position, when the distal tip 28 may beshielded within the housing 32. The remaining withdrawal distance andpull force values of the graph of FIG. 4A are meant to be examples forillustration purposes and are not limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, the catheter system 40 and/or the cathetersystem 54 may be configured to reduce or eliminate friction-induced dragforce on the introducer needle 26 during withdrawal of the introducerneedle 26 from the patient and a catheter assembly, which may includethe catheter adapter 12 and the catheter 22. In some embodiments, thecatheter system 40 and/or the catheter system 54 may be configured toreduce or eliminate friction-induced drag force on the introducer needle26 during final stages of withdrawal of the introducer needle 26 fromthe patient and the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the graph ofFIG. 4B may correspond to the catheter system 40 and/or the cathetersystem 54. In some embodiments, the reduced friction-induced drag mayreduce a likelihood of the clinician accidentally dislodging thecatheter 22 from an insertion site and the vasculature. The distance andrelative force magnitude values of FIG. 4B are meant to be examples forillustration purposes and are not limiting.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventionshave been described in detail, it should be understood that the variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should beunderstood that the embodiments may be combined.

We claim:
 1. A catheter system, comprising: a catheter adapter,comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming a lumen; acatheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter;and a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, the needleassembly comprising: an introducer needle, comprising a distal tip and abump feature, wherein the distal tip is disposed distal to the catheterin a first position; and a housing, comprising: a distal opening; aproximal opening, wherein a diameter of the proximal opening is lessthan an outer diameter of the bump feature; a pathway extending betweenthe distal opening and the proximal opening, wherein the introducerneedle extends through the pathway; and a first portion, comprising amagnet extending through the first portion, wherein the magnet comprisesa first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole; a second portioncomprising another magnet, wherein the other magnet comprises a firstmagnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, wherein the second magneticpole of the other magnet is proximal to the first magnetic pole of theother magnet, wherein the second magnetic pole of the magnet isgenerally aligned with and repelled by the second magnetic pole of theother magnet, wherein the introducer needle is disposed between thesecond magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of theother magnet, wherein the distal tip of the introducer needle isconfigured to be withdrawn proximally from the first position to asecond position in which the bump feature contacts the proximal openingand proximally from the second position to a third position, wherein inresponse to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needleproximally from the second position to the third position, the secondportion slides proximally with respect to the first portion and thesecond magnetic pole of the magnet is aligned with and attracted to thefirst magnetic pole of the other magnet such that the magnet movesinwardly towards the other magnet.
 2. The catheter system of claim 1,wherein in response to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducerneedle proximally from the second position to the third position, thesecond magnetic pole of the magnet is aligned with and attracted to thefirst magnetic pole of the other magnet such that the magnet movesinwardly towards the other magnet to block the distal opening.
 3. Thecatheter system of claim 1, wherein the wall of the catheter adaptercomprises a slot, wherein the first magnetic pole of the magnet isdisposed within the slot, wherein in response to withdrawing the distaltip of the introducer needle proximally from the second position to thethird position, the second magnetic pole of the magnet is aligned withand attracted to the first magnetic pole of the other magnet such thatthe magnet moves inwardly towards the other magnet and is removed fromthe slot.
 4. The catheter system of claim 3, wherein in response to themagnet being removed from the slot, the catheter adapter and the needleassembly are uncoupled.
 5. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein thesecond magnetic pole of the magnet and the second magnetic pole of theother magnet are spaced apart from an outer surface of the introducerneedle.
 6. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the magnet isoriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cathetersystem.
 7. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the other magnet isoriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cathetersystem.
 8. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the magnet isproximate the pathway.
 9. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein theother magnet is proximate the pathway.
 10. The catheter system of claim1, wherein the magnet and the other magnet are permanent magnets. 11.The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of theintroducer needle is secured within a needle hub, wherein the needle hubis proximate the housing.
 12. A catheter system, comprising: a catheteradapter, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall forming alumen; a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheteradapter; and a needle assembly coupled to the catheter adapter, theneedle assembly comprising: an introducer needle, comprising a distaltip and a bump feature, wherein the distal tip is disposed distal to thecatheter in a first position; and a housing, comprising: a distalopening; a proximal opening, wherein a diameter of the proximal openingis less than an outer diameter of the bump feature; a pathway extendingbetween the distal opening and the proximal opening, wherein theintroducer needle extends through the pathway; a temporary magnetextending through the housing; and a permanent magnet secured within thehousing, wherein the permanent magnet comprises a first magnetic poleand a second magnetic pole, wherein the introducer needle is disposedbetween the temporary magnet and the permanent magnet, wherein thedistal tip of the introducer needle is configured to be withdrawnproximally from the first position to a second position, wherein inresponse to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needleproximally from the first position to the second position, the bumpfeature contacts the proximal opening, the distal tip is disposedproximal to the temporary magnet and the permanent magnet, and thetemporary magnet moves inwardly towards the permanent magnet.
 13. Thecatheter system of claim 12, wherein in response to withdrawing thedistal tip of the introducer needle proximally from the first positionto the second position, the temporary magnet moves inwardly towards thepermanent magnet to block the distal opening.
 14. The catheter system ofclaim 12, wherein the wall of the catheter adapter comprises a slot,wherein the temporary magnet is disposed within the slot, wherein inresponse to withdrawing the distal tip of the introducer needleproximally from the first position to the second position, the temporarymagnet moves inwardly towards the permanent magnet and is removed fromthe slot.
 15. The catheter system of claim 14, wherein in response tothe temporary magnet being removed from the slot, the catheter adapterand the needle assembly are uncoupled.
 16. The catheter system of claim12, wherein the temporary magnet is proximate the pathway.
 17. Thecatheter system of claim 12, wherein the permanent magnet is proximatethe pathway.
 18. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the temporarymagnet comprises steel.
 19. The catheter system of claim 12, whereinpermanent magnet is spaced apart from the introducer needle, wherein thetemporary magnet contacts the introducer needle.
 20. The catheter systemof claim 12, wherein the proximal end of the introducer needle issecured within a needle hub, wherein the needle hub is proximate thehousing.